Efficacy of intraoperative irrigation with artificial cerebrospinal fluid in chronic subdural hematoma surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The surgical techniques for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a common neurosurgical condition, have been discussed in a lot of clinical literature. However, the recurrence proportion after CSDH surgery remains high, ranging from 10 to 20%. The standard surgical procedure for CSDH involves a craniostomy to evacuate the hematoma, but irrigating the hematoma cavity during the procedure is debatable. The authors hypothesized that the choice of irrigation fluid might be a key factor affecting the outcomes of surgery. This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to investigate whether intraoperative irrigation using artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACF) followed by the placement of a subdural drain would yield superior results compared to the placement of a subdural drain alone for CSDH. METHODS: The study will be conducted across 19 neurosurgical departments in Japan. The 1186 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups: irrigation using ACF or not. In either group, a subdural drain is to be placed for at least 12 h postoperatively. Similar to what was done in previous studies, we set the proportion of patients that meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation at 7% in the irrigation group and 12% in the non-irrigation group. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation within 6 months of surgery (clinical worsening of symptoms and increased hematoma on imaging compared with the postoperative state). The secondary endpoints are the proportion of reoperations within 6 months, the proportion being stratified by preoperative hematoma architecture by computed tomography (CT) scan, neurological symptoms, patient condition, mortality at 6 months, complications associated with surgery, length of hospital stay from surgery to discharge, and time of the surgical procedure. DISCUSSION: We present the study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial to investigate our hypothesis that intraoperative irrigation with ACF reduces the recurrence proportion after the removal of chronic subdural hematomas compared with no irrigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov jRCT1041220124. Registered on January 13, 2023.

Widespread spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma treated with a combined technique using a flexible neuroendoscope after hemilaminectomy: A case report.

Background: One-third of spinal epidural hematomas occur spontaneously, and these may be associated with the acute onset of severe paralysis. Here, we present a case of T4-L4 symptomatic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma which was successfully removed using a flexible neuroendoscope after hemilaminectomy. Case Description: Using flexible neuroendoscopy, we successfully treated a T4-L4 spinal epidural hematoma in an 89-year-old Japanese female who spontaneously developed back pain and paraparesis. The hematoma was removed utilizing a hemilaminectomy at three vertebral levels (T11, T12, and L1), while the remaining hematoma debris was completely evacuated with flexible neuroendoscopy. Neurological improvement was observed immediately postsurgery. Conclusion: Flexible neuroendoscopy provided a less extensive surgical method for removing a T4-L4 spontaneous epidural hematoma.

Ruptured proximal middle cerebral artery traumatic pseudoaneurysm treated with bypass-assisted trapping surgery: A case report.

Background: Traumatic pseudoaneurysms are rare but have a high mortality rate; therefore, immediate diagnosis is vital. Most pseudoaneurysms are in the internal carotid artery or peripheral arteries, while proximal middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysms have rarely been reported. We present a case of ruptured traumatic pseudoaneurysm located at the M1-M2 bifurcation. Case Description: A 42-year-old man was injured in a motorcycle accident and his Glasgow coma scale score on admission was 7 (Eye opening1, Verbal response2, Motor response4 [E1V2M4]). Head computed tomography (CT) showed thick subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We suspected a ruptured aneurysm, but three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) did not detect any vascular defects. Head magnetic resonance angiography showed progressive right M1 stenosis suggesting arterial dissection. 3D-CTA on day 20 showed a small aneurysm in the proximal portion of the M2. Although surgery was scheduled for day 26, suddenly left hemiparesis appeared on day 24. Head CT detected fresh SAH and emergency surgery was performed on day 25. We dissected around the ruptured point under M1 temporary occlusion with superficial temporal artery-M2 assist bypass. Contrary to our expectations, there was only a small laceration in the right M2 superior trunk. We trapped the laceration and the proximal portion of the M2 superior trunk while preserving antegrade blood flow from the M1 to the M2 inferior trunk. On the 5-month follow-up, the patient was able to walk independently. Conclusion: Unreasonably thick traumatic SAH or spastic stenosis after head injury may indicate a traumatic pseudoaneurysm and require repeated neurovascular evaluation. If a pseudoaneurysm is detected, immediate surgical intervention is mandatory.

A case of middle cerebral artery large circumferential aneurysm treated with bypass-assisted trapping surgery.

M1 large circumferential aneurysms are clinically challenging because they cannot be treated by simple neck clipping and they may involve the lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs). Although some reports have described endovascular and direct surgical treatment of these aneurysms, the optimal treatment approach remains uncertain. We report a case involving a ruptured large M1 circumferential aneurysm that was treated with bypass-assisted trapping surgery and showed favorable outcomes. The patient was a 47-year-old man presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a large circumferential aneurysm in the right middle cerebral artery M1 segment with involvement of the lateral and medial LSAs. We successfully performed trapping surgery with the assistance of a superficial temporal artery (STA)-M2 bypass while preserving the medial and lateral LSAs. Although left hemiparesis caused by medial LSA thrombosis appeared in the early postoperative period, the patient showed good recovery from symptoms with rehabilitation and could independently perform daily activities at the five-month follow-up. The treatment of M1 large circumferential aneurysms should involve considerations for prevention of rebleeding, blood supply to the distal area, and preservation of perforating arteries. The treatment strategy for this challenging aneurysm should be planned based on the patient's condition and individual anatomy.

Catastrophic Propeller Brain Injury with Large Scalp Defect Treated with Omental Flap.

In this study, we report a case of catastrophic propeller brain injury with large scalp defect treated with omental flap reconstruction. A 62-year-old man was accidentally caught in a powered paraglider propeller during maintenance. The rotor blades impacted the left part of his head. On arrival at the hospital, he presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of E4V1M4. On some areas on his head, skin was noticeably cut off, and the brain tissue out-slipped through an open skull fracture. Continuous bleeding from the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and the brain surface was observed during emergency surgery. Massive bleeding from the SSS was controlled using a number of tenting sutures and hemostatic agents. We evacuated the crushed brain tissue and coagulated the severed middle cerebral arteries. Dural plasty using the deep fascia of the thigh was performed. The skin defect was closed using an artificial dermis. The administration of high-dose antibiotics has failed to prevent meningitis. Moreover, the severed skin edges and fasciae were necrotic. Plastic surgeons performed debridement and vacuum-assisted closure therapy to promote wound healing. Follow-up head computed tomography revealed hydrocephalus. Lumbar drainage was performed; however, sinking skin flap syndrome was observed. After removing the lumbar drainage, cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred. We then performed cranioplasty with a titanium mesh and omental flap on day 31. After the surgery, perfect wound healing and infection control were achieved; however, severe disturbance of consciousness remained. The patient was transferred to a nursing home. Primary hemostasis and infection control are mandatory. An omental flap has been determined to be effective in controlling infection by covering the exposed brain tissue.

Rare Dilated Collateral Circulation from Accessory Meningeal Artery to Inferolateral Trunk: A Case Report.

The accessory meningeal artery (AMA) demonstrates various potential anastomoses with the external (ECA) and internal (ICA) carotid arteries. However, rarely does the AMA markedly dilate and compensate for ICA blood flow. A 52-year-old woman with nonspecific symptoms was diagnosed with multiple cerebral aneurysms and abnormal blood vessels observed on magnetic resonance angiography. Digital subtraction angiography revealed four aneurysms and anastomoses between the left AMA and inferolateral trunk (ILT). In addition, two sequential severe flexions were observed in the cervical portion of the left ICA. No ischemic lesions were detected on magnetic resonance imaging. In conclusion, we experienced a rare case in which the AMA-ILT anastomosis was highly developed. This case also presented with the unusual characteristics of an anomaly in the extracranial ICA and multiple aneurysms.

A case of symptomatic carotid artery occlusion after aortic arch replacement treated with carotid-carotid crossover bypass.

Background: Symptomatic common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion is rare and its treatment remains unestablished. Although cases of subclavian-to-carotid bypass have been reported, very few cases of carotid-tocarotid crossover bypass have been reported, despite its advantages. We report a case of Riles type 1A symptomatic CCA occlusion after aortic arch replacement that was treated with carotid-to-carotid crossover bypass with favorable outcomes. Case Description: A 65-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and total arch replacement for thoracic aortic aneurysm was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of the right hemiparesis and motor aphasia. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fresh infarction in the left cerebral hemisphere. Cervical computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed left CCA occlusion. Thoracic CT angiography showed severe stenosis of the left subclavian artery. SPECT showed a general decrease in blood flow in the left cerebral hemisphere. We performed a carotid-to-carotid crossover bypass with a synthetic graft that was passed through the subcutaneous tunnel. First, the right carotid artery-synthetic graft end-to-side anastomosis was performed. Subsequently, we performed synthetic graft-left CCA end-to-side anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful. Cervical computed tomography angiography showed perfect patency of the crossover bypass. The patient recovered almost completely and was independently performing daily activities. Conclusion: Carotid-to-carotid crossover bypass is a durable treatment for symptomatic CCA occlusion. Further studies are needed to compare its outcomes with those of other methods and to confirm our findings with larger sample size.

A Case of Proximal Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) Aneurysm Treated with PICA-to-PICA Bypass and Trapping Surgery: Comparison with Occipital Artery-PICA Bypass.

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms often require cerebral vascular reconstruction for surgical treatment because of their characteristic morphology. Despite its potential complications, the occipital artery-to-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (OA-PICA) bypass is a typical treatment because of its versatility. Although a few cases of intracranial-to-intracranial bypass have been reported, this type of vascular reconstruction is only regarded as an alternative to the OA-PICA bypass because of the uncertainty of bypass feasibility and potential risk of ischemic complications. In this article, we report a case of proximal PICA ruptured aneurysm that was treated with a PICA-to-PICA (PICA-PICA) bypass. A 79-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of sudden, severe headache and disturbances in consciousness. Radiological examination revealed a right proximal PICA fusiform aneurysm. The patient had many systemic disorders such as microscopic polyangiitis and steroid-induced diabetes mellitus that could have caused wound dehiscence and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We performed the PICA-PICA bypass and trapping surgery rather than the OA-PICA bypass to avoid skin problems and CSF leakage. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on day 64 without any neurological disorders. In comparison with the OA-PICA bypass, the PICA-PICA bypass is less likely to cause CSF leakage and skin complications, although it carries the risk of specific ischemic complications and requires advanced surgical techniques. For some patients with systemic disorders, the PICA-PICA bypass could be an optimal treatment option for proximal fusiform PICA aneurysms rather than as an alternative to the OA-PICA bypass.